Plateau MACBAN Denies Involvement in Barkin Ladi Violence

The Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has denied the involvement of Fulani herders in the recent violent attacks in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. These attacks in Heipang and Fan districts resulted in the deaths of 13 people.

The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) had accused armed Fulani militias from specific areas of launching the deadly assaults. In a statement, the BYM’s Secretary General, Comrade Bature Iliya Adazaram, detailed the alleged simultaneous attacks on Rachas and Rawuru villages.

MACBAN Rejects Allegations

However, the State Chairman of MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, issued a strong rebuttal. He labeled the BYM’s claims as false and baseless. Babayo emphasized that security agencies are still investigating the incident and have not released any statement indicting the herders.

He stated that linking Fulani herders to these attacks is an unfounded tactic often used against their communities. Babayo expressed that his members are routinely accused without any concrete evidence to support the allegations.

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

A Community Under Siege

Babayo detailed the hardships faced by Fulani communities in Plateau State. He stated that they are victims of persistent attacks, killings, and cattle rustling. He revealed that since June 2025, Fulani herders have lost over 500 cattle.

He provided specific incidents, including the rustling of 160 cattle in Fan District and the killing of a herder and his cattle in September. Further attacks in October resulted in the deaths of several herders and the loss of dozens more cattle.

All these incidents, according to Babayo, have been formally reported to security agencies, including the police, Operation Safe Haven, and the DSS. He condemned all forms of violence and urged security forces to identify and prosecute the perpetrators of the Barkin Ladi attacks.

Call for Calm and Justice

In his conclusion, Babayo challenged the BYM to present proof for their accusations. He simultaneously urged the Fulani community in the state to remain calm and law-abiding. He advised them to allow security forces to complete their investigations and bring the culprits to justice, refraining from taking the law into their own hands.